Gibson SJ Southern Jumbo Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, c. 1947, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark back and sides finish, mahogany back and sides, spruce top; laminated maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case.
A very interesting 1940's Gibson SJ, with the very unusual feature of a truss-rod equipped laminated maple neck. Other specs are appropriate for around 1947, but this style neck (made from blanks intended for other guitars) usually appears only on wartime guitars. This may be the result of a leftover blank being used, or the guitar may be a ca. 1944 "Banner" example that went back to the factory a few years later for a major overhaul. In either case this is a great looking guitar with a dark, rich sunburst top, super comfortable neck and a huge sound!
Overall length is 40 3/4 in. (103.5 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.). Well played but not abused; dings, scratches and dents overall; finish is worn on the back of the neck and around the soundhole, but no heavy pick wear to the top. Several long back cracks, solidly repaired but noticeable-the back has an overspray no doubt dating to this repair. The rest of the finish is original. Tuners are later (1960's) Kluson Deluxe. A very fine player with a big, powerful sound. Very Good + Condition.
